Tower Hamlets' post-16 educational attainment is set to undergo a comprehensive review, following concerns raised by councillors about its performance compared to neighbouring boroughs.
The issue was brought to the forefront during a Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on Monday, 14 September 2026, where Councillor Victoria Lupton highlighted that post-16 results in the borough are less strong
than in adjacent areas.
Councillor Lupton proposed a detailed review of educational outcomes, encompassing A-level attainment, admissions to Russell Group universities and Oxbridge, higher education progression rates, and apprenticeship opportunities. She noted that while Tower Hamlets is strong in pre-16 results, post-16 attainment is less strong
and the borough is being outperformed by neighbouring boroughs, you know, Hackney Newham
. Specific comparative results for these boroughs were not provided.
She also noted that statistics indicate high-achieving pupils are leaving the borough for their post-16 studies.
Councillor Mads Churchhouse suggested weaving in the frustration expressed by young people who are unable to access work opportunities within Tower Hamlets, despite the presence of Canary Wharf. This indicates that young people have voiced such concerns, though specific details were not elaborated upon.
These discussions are expected to shape the final work programme for the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee, which will be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for approval. The meeting agenda and public reports pack can be found here and here respectively.
